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All Forum Posts by: Tom Ott

Tom Ott has started 941 posts and replied 4593 times.

Post: What would you do with $300,000 cash?

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Justin Gottuso:

What would you do with $300,000 cash?

 Probably put 20% down on multiple Turnkey investments in the Midwest. Get that cash flowing. 

Post: Investing security deposits in the stock market.

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Emanuel Ohunwu:

Has anyone ever considered placing security deposits in the stock market? I'm talking about dividend paying stocks such as Google, Apple or

Microsoft. It's an idea I've been playing with. My rental property is in Fort Worth, TX and I haven't seen any regulations against it. The only risk is if there is a market downturn as tenants are leaving a rental property. I only own one duplex so I could afford to pay out of pocket for any deficit from investing the security deposit.

 Be very careful with that. I know in Ohio we have to keep them in trust accounts and if you mess with that money you can get in trouble.

Post: Long distance rental vs Turnkey rental for newbie?

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Beth Barnes:

Hi everyone! I’m a new investor looking to get started on my first property. I live in a very expensive market (NYC) so I’m evaluating long distance markets as a place to get my feet wet on a smaller deal. I’ve been reading like crazy to learn as much as I can, but it’s still intimidating to find a deal, place an offer, manage rehab, find property management, etc with no experience.

Because of my inexperience, I’m also evaluating turnkey properties as an easier way to get started. Although the return would be lower, at least I could get started relatively easily without finding management and tenants, managing rehab etc, and hopefully I can gain confidence and learn along the way.

Does anyone have thoughts on a long distance rental vs a long distance turnkey as as a first investment?

For further context, I plan to purchase in early 2020, and by then I will have 50k saved as well as a 12k emergency fund.

 Many investors investing OOS tend to go with Turnkeys. If you go with a true provider, they should have done everything in-house prior to purchase. They would renovate the property in-house, place a tenant prior to closing and handle the management after closing. They should do this all locally too! 

Post: 1st rental property - would love advice

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Corey M.:
Originally posted by @Tom Ott:
Originally posted by @Corey M.:

I live in Los Angeles, where property is expensive to rehab and rent unless you have a lot of money to lay out. 

I'm doing a cash out refi of my primary residence, which will net me about $200k to spend. The issue is, I need to buy a property out of state and I have very little free time due to my full time job. 

I'm thinking that Turnkey is a good way to get my feet wet, but I am confused by them. I see that there are places like Roofstock, that sell properties on a marketplace that already have tenants. And then there's places like Spartan that make a deal with an investor, rehab the property, and then rent it for them. 

Is there a reason people go with operators like Spartan, which would require months before the property is ready, and even then, no guarantee of a tenant VS Roofstock, which seems quick and already has guaranteed cash flow?

Also, it seems like most of the Turnkey properties have 1-3% annual appreciation. Assuming the cash flow meets the 1% rule, that means an investor is only making between 2-4%/yr. The stock market averages 8%, and it's more liquid. So what's the point of investing in Turnkey at all? 

Be sure to actually go with a true Turnkey Provider, not just some online market place like Roofstock. The TK Provider should own the property first, do all the renovations in-house, place a tenant PRIOR to closing, and then stay on as the property manager after closing. They should not just push you off onto some company you have never heard of. 

How do you go about finding a reputable TK provider who can actually show better than stock market CoC performance?

 Find a market you like and start searching for TK providers in that area. Make sure they are local. You don't want to be talking to a TK provider who is also not located in the local market. Afterall you are relying on their expertise in the local market. Vet them on here. Talk to other investors or search for reviews. You will find someone. 

Post: 1st rental property - would love advice

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Corey M.:

I live in Los Angeles, where property is expensive to rehab and rent unless you have a lot of money to lay out. 

I'm doing a cash out refi of my primary residence, which will net me about $200k to spend. The issue is, I need to buy a property out of state and I have very little free time due to my full time job. 

I'm thinking that Turnkey is a good way to get my feet wet, but I am confused by them. I see that there are places like Roofstock, that sell properties on a marketplace that already have tenants. And then there's places like Spartan that make a deal with an investor, rehab the property, and then rent it for them. 

Is there a reason people go with operators like Spartan, which would require months before the property is ready, and even then, no guarantee of a tenant VS Roofstock, which seems quick and already has guaranteed cash flow?

Also, it seems like most of the Turnkey properties have 1-3% annual appreciation. Assuming the cash flow meets the 1% rule, that means an investor is only making between 2-4%/yr. The stock market averages 8%, and it's more liquid. So what's the point of investing in Turnkey at all? 

Be sure to actually go with a true Turnkey Provider, not just some online market place like Roofstock. The TK Provider should own the property first, do all the renovations in-house, place a tenant PRIOR to closing, and then stay on as the property manager after closing. They should not just push you off onto some company you have never heard of. 

Post: 🤑 TRUE Turnkey in Maple Heights, Ohio 12% COC Return 🤑

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368


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Post: New to Real Estate Investing and Questioning Turn Key Companies

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Alison M.:

I am in the process of buying my first house in Long Island, and am very new to the idea but very interested in Real Estate investing.  Because of the LI prices, I am looking for an out of state rental property as my first rental.   I am seeing these Turn Key companies which seem ideal for an out of state investment, but am wondering if that is a good strategy for a first timer?  I have more research to do but I would love any pros and cons of a first time investment going with a Turn Key company, thank you!

 Turnkeys can be great for OOS investors. I always suggest making sure they are a true Turnkey Provider. That means it should all be done in-house. They should own the property first, renovate it in-house, place a tenant BEFORE closing, and then stay on as the property manager after the sale. They should not just push you off on some new management company you have never heard of.

For more info, try looking at:

5 Keys to Turnkey Real Estate Investing

Assessing the Risk of a Turnkey Real Estate Company


Post: RE agent in Cleveland working w/ out of state investors

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Account Closed:

Hi there!

We're coming to Cleveland this coming weekend (6th through 8th of March). It will be our first visit. A realtor was supposed to take us around for the weekend but we have to switch because we understand after the last call we had today that she isn't used to working with investors. 

We therefore need a professional in the Cleveland area used to working 1) with people looking for buying an investment property and not a primary residence (emotion vs numbers) 2) people who even if they're working hard to understand the city's geography don't know the area like the back of their hand and need guidance and insight of an insider, who need someone who pro-activily suggests potential interesting neighborhoods that make sense for the project and doesn't wait for the buyer to ask what about here? what about there?) 3) people that need effectiveness, that want to receive relevant listings and not listings that don't make sense in terms of location and/or price (= waste of time to study that). I'm from a different country and I'm not used to having a buyer broker so maybe I'm not clearly understanding what a buyer broker is supposed and not supposed to do. Though, I have other reasons to think the lady we now have doesn't meet our expectations to be part of our team. If anyone has a name in their sleeve to share, that'd be great. We're a bit defeated because it is quite urgent! 

 Are you looking for flips, Turnkeys, buy and holds etc? There are a lot of options in the Cleveland area. Be sure to check out the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame if that is your kind of thing! 

Post: The TRUE Cleveland Turnkey Provider (All in-house and LOCAL)

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368

If you’re planning to invest in turnkey real estate, there’s a lot you need to learn. Turnkey real estate investment is a lot more complex than investing in stocks and due to the legal, financial, and other requirements involved. Therefore, it is a good idea to educate yourself before you make your first turnkey real estate investment.

5 Keys to Turnkey Real Estate Investing

1. Write Down Your Goals

Planning and setting your goals are significant aspects of making your first turnkey real estate investment successful. After all, the real estate market can be unpredictable and wavering. Unless you have a solid strategy and goals in place, decisions made in haste can paralyze your investment plan.

The best way to compile your turnkey real estate investment goals is to ask yourself certain questions such as:

1. Once I invest in the first turnkey property, what will be my next step?
2. What is my ultimate plan?
3. Do I want to invest in more than one turnkey property?
4. What is my fiscal ambition in 2019?
5. What’s my long-term plan?

Look within yourself and write down everything. This is a good exercise to decide if your turnkey real estate investment goals are realistic.

2. Explore Markets of Interest

markets of interest

More than ever, real estate markets across the country are diversified. They’re rising and declining, growing at varied speeds, and poised for turnkey real estate investment opportunity and exponential growth. As a turnkey real estate investor, it’s critical to research potential markets of interest and their current standing in the industry and where they’re heading.

This is especially vital if you’re planning to make your first turnkey real estate investment in 2019. Since each turnkey property paves the way for the next purchase, timely success translates into long-term growth scope.

3. Organize Your Investments Well

Turnkey real estate investment is similar to running a business. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have a well-planned system in place to manage your investments and new revenue sources. You can consider the following options:

-Digital and physical tax filing systems
-Bank accounts
-Voicemail and phone systems
-Dedicated turnkey investment email accounts
-P.O. boxes

While you may find some of these unnecessary, it’s best to have them at the initial stage rather than facing issues with your turnkey real estate investment business later on down the road.

4. Build an Investor’s Routine

Even the busiest real estate investors schedule and dedicate enough time for their turnkey real estate investments. So, what exactly does an investor’s routine mean? It can be exploring new turnkey investment strategies, collaborating with other turnkey investors, exploring new markets and opportunities, reading turnkey real estate whitepapers, etc. There are thousands of free resources available online.

5. Work With an Expert Turnkey Partner

turnkey

It’s a great idea to work with a turnkey partner, especially if it’s your first turnkey real estate investment. Turnkey partners support your goals and help you invest your money in a way that makes it grow steadily. While turnkey real estate is one of the best markets to diversify your investment portfolio, it can be a little intimidating at times. Turnkey partners provide exceptional services to help you succeed and achieve your turnkey investment goals. Once you have a clear vision, your turnkey partner can join hands with you to help you move in the right direction as a turnkey investor.

Post: Turnkey in D class neighborhood

Tom OttPosted
  • Equity Raiser and Turnkey Provider
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Posts 4,766
  • Votes 1,368
Originally posted by @Tyler Bettencourt:

I am interested in purchasing a turnkey property only. I am finding properties that appear perfect as far as the condition of the property and the price range. I don't have a lot of cash so these perfect properties unfortunately are in D class neighborhoods. A friend of mine who has several properties tells me to stay away from a D class neighborhood. I feel like if I don't take a chance on some of the updated properties in a D class neighborhood then I won't be able to start buying real estate. How critical is it to own in a C class neighborhood or better? Is owning an updated property in a D class neighborhood better than not owning a property at all? Anyone out there having success owning in a D class neighborhood?

 I would absolutely not do it. I would stick to the suburbs of mid-market cities. C+ and above would be the way to go. Anything less is just not worth it.